More than five hundred years ago, in a small town in Germany, a simple act set into motion one of the most important movements in human history. On October 31, 1517, a monk named Martin Luther nailed a list of ninety-five statements to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

When most people hear the name Saint Patrick, they think of Ireland, green clothing, parades, and popular legends. But the real Saint Patrick was far more compelling than the holiday image that developed around his name.